Adam Gilchrist has paid tribute to his hero and fellow Australian cricketing legend Rod Marsh following his passing on Friday morning.
Gilchrist, perhaps cricket’s greatest keeper, initially donned the gloves to follow in the steps of his idol Marsh, who at that time was in the midst of playing his 96 Tests in the baggy green.
Growing up in awe of the West Australian, Gilchrist was lucky enough to strike up a close personal relationship with Marsh as he made his way in professional cricket, with the pair remaining close well beyond his playing career.
Joining SEN WA Breakfast, Gilchrist detailed exactly how much impact his hero had on him both in cricket and life in general.
“Shocked, I’m absolutely shattered,” Gilchrist said.
“I can’t quite believe it, I just thought he was invincible.
“He was my absolute hero and I guess inspiration to all I set out to achieve and have a crack out.
“It really was him, he was just an idol, he helped me pursue what I wanted to do.
“To have him come into my life and have such a profound impact on my sporting life and then personal life as a mate.
“I still can’t believe that he was in my group of friends, in my friendship circle. I can’t believe it, he seemed unreal, one of those guys that was on TV, they just didn’t seem like they were real people, like superheroes.
“It’s going to be an emotional time and a rollercoaster as we reflect on what he meant, and think about his family, Ros, Jamie, Paul, Dan and the extended family.
“They lose such a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, all of those sorts of titles, they lose an icon and the nation will mourn with them.
“It’s certainly a rollercoaster, then we’ll reflect on the good, fun stuff, he was such a rogue.”
Gilchrist, a fellow West Aussie, ended up playing the exact same amount of Tests as his childhood hero, 96.